Hi everyone!
I was diagnosed with HSV on Monday night after going to the ER due to the extreme pain I was in. The doctors weren't very helpful, and kind of just shooed me out of the room after what felt like them slapping me in the face with the info >:( I just want to share the crazy storm of emotions I've gone through this week because I'm sure someone out there can relate. Who knows, maybe my experience can help someone else.
I immediately sought out another doctor and actual testing to confirm the diagnosis. I'm sure this was due to denial and hoping that the ER doctors were wrong! I was so angry/confused/hysterical. I just kept thinking: "This can't be happening. I'm educated, I've taken sexual health courses, I have a degree, I have a career, I'm in a monogamous relationship with the only person I have EVER been with...this can't happen to someone like ME!"
I know, I know, I'm horrible. Now that I've had time to accept the situation, I am so ashamed for having these thoughts. It really bothers me that there is this awful stigma associated with something that is just so common, and I hate that I let that stigma influence my reaction. Seriously, this is something that needs to be changed!
After the denial, I quickly started feeling sorry for myself because of the pain I was in. I'm pretty sure I was acting like I was terminally ill :-/ Luckily, I have had a really awesome support system throughout this week (including a sister that actually found this site for me because she wanted me to feel better :') She is awesome). My family, friends, and coworkers have all put up with me during this roller coaster of emotions. They've cried with me, comforted me, and now that the pain is pretty much non-existent they are encouraging me to get on with my life like I normally would.
So yeah, I have been extremely lucky in the love department. I feel like I've gone through all of these stages and feelings in such a short period of time due to all of the amazing people around me. I know that not everyone will be as fortunate as I have been in this sense, and the process of coming to terms with living with (h) will be rough for some. I'm just so glad that I was introduced to this site because just reading other people's stories and comments has been uplifting. You are all amazing! I only hope that I can now contribute and help others too! :)